Saturday, September 26, 2009

Lonnie Holley - The Sandman

You've already met Birmingham folk artist Lonnie Holley here and here . Lonnie has a story to tell. Raised 7th of 27 children Lonnie, known as The Sandman, began his artistic life when he carved headstones for his sister's two children who died in a house fire. He used the soft sandstone like material that is a by-product of metal castings he found at a nearby foundary. The rest is history. These days Lonnie continues to carve, but he also paints, and makes some mighty interesting sculpture from found objects like the one above. And when I say he has a story to tell, indeed he does. He held an audience spellbound this day at the Lite Box Gallery at the Pepper Place Market. But in case you think he's just a local artist, think again. Lonnie's work has been exhibited at Atlanta's High Museum, the Smithsonian, New York's American Folk Art Museum and.......the White House! For more about Lonnie's remarkable life go here.

I am pleased to announce that two of my Paris street portraits are being featured on Parisien Salon.com. This is a terrific site and I hope you will give it a look!

OK, back to work here. It's remarkable what Holley has accomplished with a combination of freedom, creativity and talent. And congratulations on having your work published in Parisien Salon. Geez, I've never had anything published in even the Podunk Salon. Those Parisians in your pictures don't work very friendly, though. My experience has been that they are always welcoming and helpful, expecially if I try to speak a little French.

BTW, I really did get you something in Lhasa. Now that my head is screwed back on, I'll try to get it out on Monday.

Bob,The waiter and the chef were VERY friendly, I just caught them without them knowing it and I 'll admit they do look uninterested in my photo. The other guy I caught from above, and he was unaware. I loved the wine bottle but I really don't think it was his. I was with Meredith Mullins at the time and she volunteered to go down there and whisk the potato chip bag off the bench for me!HA Another plus for BW!!!! Glad you're home and caught up with your sleep!!

WELCOME!

Thank you for visiting Birmingham Through My Lens. In June,2008 I created Birmingham Alabama Daily Photo and posted a photo a day via the City Daily Photo community until January 2, 2016. This blog, although not daily, is a place where I will share my photographic journey from my hometown.

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Welcome

I have lived in Birmingham most of my life. I think it's a beautiful, friendly, and interesting place to live. I hope that my photographs portray the diversity of my hometown in a positive and artistic way.

About Me

I am a former elementary school teacher, a full-time photographer, lover of all things French ( whose French is slowly improving), obsessive Paris traveler, enthusiastic church and community volunteer, and grandmother to 5 delightful grandchildren.